When a small group from King of Kings Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa arrived to serve through Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care, they came ready to work and learn. What they did not fully expect was how deeply the experience would shape their faith and strengthen their understanding of serving as the Body of Christ.
This first-time family Servant Event team included two families serving side by side. They joined a long-time mission team on campus, sharing the Servant Event dormitory and daily rhythms of meals, prayer, and reflection. As the week unfolded, the group stepped into a new challenge and built a home on their own in Anapra, Mexico. Long days of construction created space for teamwork, patience, and trust. Skills were learned, encouragement was shared, and each obstacle became an opportunity to rely on one another and on God’s provision.
As the house took shape, relationships grew just as quickly. Team members spent time with the family receiving the home through conversation and shared moments. Language differences did not hinder connection. Presence, care, and time together built bonds rooted in faith. Many left Anapra with a deeper sense of community and a clearer picture of what it means to walk alongside others in Christ.
Life on the YLM campus shaped the experience as well. Evenings brought space for reflection and honest conversation. Team members shared what stood out, where they saw God at work, and how their faith was stretching. These moments strengthened family relationships and encouraged growth in ways not planned but deeply welcomed.
Serving alongside YLM staff and volunteers added another layer of connection. Stories were exchanged, meals were shared, and encouragement flowed both ways. Faith practices blended naturally, reminding everyone involved the Church stands united across places and backgrounds.
Reflecting on the week, Amanda, one of the adults on the team, shared, “Our family left for our first mission trip thinking we were answering God’s call to serve others and came home realizing just how much we gained in return.”
As the week ended, the team carried home more than the memory of a completed house. They returned with renewed faith, deeper relationships, and a desire to continue serving. The Gospel moved through shared work, conversation, and prayer, carrying farther through the connections formed during the week.
Those interested in experiencing this kind of service and faith growth are invited to learn more about YLM’s Servant Event ministry. These opportunities bring people together across borders, strengthen the Body of Christ, and carry the Gospel through hands willing to serve and hearts open to be changed.
